Forest reporter's thoughts on Eric Lichaj

Nottinghamshire Live’s reporter Paul Taylor has given his verdict on links with the Forest defender in their webchat today.

Interesting reading with Bristol City ones of the sides reportedly interested.

He is solid, reliable, committed and can play either side of the back four.

Having said that, the fact that Forest are even considering letting him leave is probably part of a bigger picture.

Aitor Karanka has identified a right back he wants to bring in, who he believes will be better than any of the full backs they already have.

And they have Lichaj and Tendayi Darikwa, who both earn in the region of £10k to £12k a week.

So the club are spending £20k to £25k on two right backs already... if they bring in a third, what would that figure be, in wage terms, on one position in the side?

You can see the logic of wanting to move on one of the two full backs who will be viewed as back up players; as second and third choice next season, just for budget reasons.

And there is plenty of interest in Lichaj, because he is a decent player.

As I said at the start, I’d personally want to keep him.

18:12

Heartthrob Lee

16:19

City quiz

14:07John Evely

Joe Bryan wins goal of season

It was a belter

12:08

City star heads back to old school

Lloyd Kelly dropped in to his old school to do the honours of unveiling their brand new facility

Lloyd Kelly, former City Academy pupil, returned to his old school to officially unveil its upgraded all-weather pitch yesterday. The facility was made possible thanks to investment from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund, which is delivered by the Football Foundation.

The grant enabled the school to replace an existing third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch (AGP) with a brand new all-weather surface. Due to the school’s current lack of grass pitches, the original facility was heavily used. Having been installed back in 2003, it was no longer fit for purpose as a result.

Now, the Academy’s pupils will benefit from a state-of-the-art new surface, which will support different formats of the game. These are set to include veteran and disability provision for the area, with a number of local grassroots sports organisations set to take advantage of the upgraded facility.

Kelly said: “Being able to run out at lunch and have a game on the pitch was brilliant at school, so it’s great that students here have got a state-of-the-art new surface now! Seeing money being channeled into the grassroots from the top of the game, through the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund, goes to show just how important football is to this country. I hope the students and local clubs can make the most of their new facility, which is bound to open up more opportunities in football for the area.”

11:22

Flint's worth

Our City writer has had a stab at what he thinks Bristol City’s key man at the back is now worth in the summer transfer market. Do you agree with him?

Read the full feature here.

Aden Flint of Bristol City reacts after missing a late chance

10:15

Sky Bet pay out

Sky Bet has paid out £1million today and launched a new responsible gambling campaign designed to educate players and staff from every one of the 72 EFL clubs about gambling related harm. The aim is to create a safer gambling environment. Fans should see some of this in effect next season.

09:35John Evely

International duty for City man

Bristol City midfielder Callum O’Dowda has once again been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad.

He will travel to face France in Paris on Monday before hosting the United States at the Aviva Stadium five days later.

O’Dowda scored a scorcher of a goal for the Republic of Ireland on Sunday in a 2-2 draw with Celtic, for Scott Brown’s testimonial.

09:31John Evely

What next for Lee Tomlin?

Former Bristol City player Lee Tomlin is reportedly interested in a return to the Championship next season.

Nottingham Forest manager Aitor Karanka suggested that he would be happy to return to the City Ground next season.

The 28-year-old made 60 appearances for Bristol City before moving across the Severn to rivals Cardiff City last summer.

He made 16 appearances for the club, but concerns over his fitness led to him being shipped out on loan to Nottingham Forest on January deadline day.

Michelle Owen on Fam's ban

In my opinion, spitting is disgusting and a substantial ban is fitting IF the Senegalese forward did spit at a player.

There is no place for it in football and it sets a terrible example for young fans watching.

I covered the game for Sky Sports and do not recall anything happening that caused a stir but clearly, this has been picked up and there has been enough evidence to find Diedhiou guilty.

I must say whenever you see the big forward around the club he is always smiling and seems polite when a player steps over the white line of course things change.

We don’t know the context of the situation or if something was said to provoke him or similar, unfortunately, Bristol City will have to do without the forward come August who contributed 13 goals in an injury-hit first season.”

Famara Diedhiou of Bristol City rounds Michael Dawson of Hull City and scores a goal to make it 2-1